When most people think of cutting-edge cancer care, they picture large academic medical centers in major cities. But in Stillwater, Oklahoma, something remarkable is happening. Stillwater Medical Center is the only facility in the state of Oklahoma offering MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy—a technology so advanced that it is turning heads at national cancer conferences. Medical physicist Michael Chacko, PhD, explains what makes this technology different and why it matters for patients.
Key Takeaways in This Article
- Stillwater Medical Center is the only facility in Oklahoma offering MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy using an MR-LINAC.
- The MR-LINAC combines real-time MRI imaging with radiation delivery, allowing treatment plans to be adapted on the day of each session.
- Prostate cancer patients may qualify for treatment in as few as five fractions, compared to the historical standard of 40 or more.
- The technology excels at treating deep-seated tumors including prostate, rectal, and abdominal cancers.
- Stillwater Medical Center is one of the smallest cancer centers in the country to offer this level of technology.
Challenges of Traditional Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy works by delivering precisely targeted energy to a tumor. The goal is to destroy cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Treatment plans are carefully designed before therapy begins. But, once treatment starts, a fundamental challenge arises.
“When we’re planning, we’re doing all this work ahead of time. But, we have really no idea what’s going on inside the patient once we start that treatment,” Dr. Chacko explains. Tumors shrink. Anatomy shifts. Organs move. A plan that was perfectly calibrated at the start of treatment may no longer be perfectly accurate by week two or three.
Traditional radiation centers do have some adaptive capabilities. Still, they are not able to adjust treatment in real time while the patient is on the table. That is exactly what the MR-LINAC was designed to solve.
What Is an MR-LINAC?
An MR-LINAC combines two powerful technologies into one machine: a magnetic resonance imaging system and a linear accelerator—the device that delivers radiation. MRI provides the highest quality soft tissue imaging available in medicine. Combined with real-time radiation delivery, the result is a system that can see exactly what is happening inside a patient’s body at the moment of treatment and adapt accordingly.
“We’re adapting the plan the very day the patient is being treated,” notes Dr. Chacko. “We’re looking in real-time at what’s going on inside of you and customizing that radiation treatment plan right then and there.”
A key benefit? Less radiation exposure to critical organs. Fewer side effects. And, more precise targeting of the tumor itself, even as it changes shape or location during the course of treatment.
Fewer Treatments, Same Results
One of the most meaningful benefits of MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy is the ability to reduce the number of treatment sessions, called fractions, while maintaining the same clinical effectiveness.
For qualifying prostate cancer patients, for example, Stillwater Medical Center can now offer treatment in just five fractions. That is a dramatic change from the standard of care that existed not long ago. “In the past, it was over forty treatments,” shares Dr. Chacko. “It came down to near twenty. Now, we’re able to offer it in five fractions. That’s a real game-changer.”
For patients traveling from surrounding communities, some from as far as Oklahoma City, the difference between five trips and forty is significant. It affects quality of life, work schedules, family responsibilities, and the overall experience of going through cancer treatment.
The Only MR-LINAC in Oklahoma
Stillwater Medical Center is the only facility in Oklahoma offering this technology and one of the smallest cancer centers in the entire country to do so. That distinction draws attention at national meetings, where most peers come from large university health systems.
“We’re a little Stillwater Cancer Center, but we’re offering this treatment,” Dr. Chacko emphasizes. “A lot of people do double takes and are just astonished that we were able to do this.”
The technology excels particularly at treating deep-seated tumors: prostate cancer, rectal cancer, and abdominal cancers among them. For these diagnoses, the real-time MRI imaging provides an unmatched level of visibility and precision that simply is not possible with conventional radiation equipment.
Personalized Treatment on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Dr. Chacko sees the field moving toward increasingly personalized cancer care. Meaning, treatment plans tailored not just to the type of cancer, but to the specific biology and anatomy of each individual patient.
“Every person is unique and their situation is unique and their bodies are unique,” he states. “We’re tailoring their treatment to who they are and what their bodies require.” The MR-LINAC is already enabling some of this personalization, including the ability to escalate radiation dose to a specific lesion within a tumor—an approach previously not possible with standard imaging.
“We are not just chasing technology for the sake of chasing technology,” Dr. Chacko reinforces. “We want better outcomes. That’s what we’re able to provide with this option.”
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and is exploring radiation therapy options, Stillwater Medical Center offers access to technology that rivals the largest cancer centers in the country. It eliminates the distance, wait, or complexity of traveling to a major metropolitan area.
Dr. Chacko’s challenge to every patient is simple. “You are in charge of your own healthcare. Ask the tough questions. Ask the provider what the evidence is. And, do not be afraid to take that first step. The difference between early and late detection is just so much more important than all the fancy technology in the world.”
To learn more about radiation therapy services at Stillwater Medical Center, visit stillwater-medical.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MR-LINAC?
An MR-LINAC is a machine that combines a magnetic resonance imaging system with a linear accelerator, which delivers radiation therapy. It allows physicians to see real-time images of a patient’s internal anatomy during treatment and adapt the radiation plan accordingly.
Is MRI-guided radiation therapy available for all types of cancer?
The technology is particularly effective for deep-seated tumors such as prostate, rectal, and abdominal cancers. Your radiation oncologist can advise whether this approach is appropriate for your specific diagnosis.
How many treatments will I need with the MR-LINAC?
The number of fractions depends on the type and stage of cancer being treated. Qualifying prostate cancer patients may be eligible for treatment in as few as five sessions. Your care team will determine the right plan for your situation.
Is Stillwater Medical Center the only place in Oklahoma with this technology?
Yes. As of now, Stillwater Medical Center is the only facility in Oklahoma offering MRI-guided adaptive radiation therapy with an MR-LINAC.
How do I find out if I qualify for treatment at Stillwater Medical Center?
Start by speaking with your oncologist or primary care provider about your diagnosis and treatment options. Referrals to the Stillwater Cancer Center can be made through your existing care team or by contacting Stillwater Medical Center directly at stillwater-medical.org.
https://www.stillwater-medical.org/locations/stillwater-cancer-center/